Top 5 Common Causes And Signs Of Bladder Pain

The bladder is a small organ inside the pelvis that holds water and filters out waste products from urine. The good news here is that cancer of the bladder is sporadic. Pain in this region can indicate anything from severe health issues like cancer to minor infections, so women who suffer from pain must be diagnosed quickly!

It’s not always easy to identify bladder pain. Though there are some clear signs, such as pain during urination, other symptoms can be more subtle and easy to overlook. In this post, we’ll discuss four of the leading causes of bladder pain, as well as the associated symptoms. We hope this information will help you better understand your own body and seek appropriate treatment if needed.

Urinary Tract Infections

 

One of the most common causes of bladder pain is a urinary tract infection. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply causing inflammation and pain. Women are more susceptible to UTIs than men, due to their shorter urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). Symptoms of a UTI include:

• pain or burning during urination
• frequent urination
• urine that appears cloudy or has a strong odor
• pain in the lower back or abdomen

UTI is more common in women of childbearing age but can occur at any age. If you suspect you have a UTI, see your doctor for treatment. Untreated UTIs can lead to more serious infections, such as cystitis (inflammation of the bladder) and urosepsis (a potentially life-threatening infection that spreads to the bloodstream).

Interstitial Cystitis

This is an extremely severe case of bladder discomfort syndrome. Cystitis is a long-term bladder disease that may cause discomfort and pressure in the bladder and pelvic region. The symptoms might appear and disappear, with a pressing desire to pee even when your bladder is not full. The most common side effects include burning, itching, and discomfort during intercourse. Pelvic pain, bloody urine, and exhaustion are also possible symptoms. Although there is no cure for interstitial cystitis, several treatments may assist to relieve the condition. Some of those therapies include:

• Use of a heating pad or other pain relievers for localized discomfort
• Medicines that reduce inflammation and pain, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen sodium.
• Some types of bladder instillation therapy (bladder washouts) may include: hydrodistension (stretch) cystoscopy with hydrodistension saline infusion cystourethrography performed by the patient during uroflow to assess bladder capacity and compliance; the number of uninhibited contractions; sensation thresholds to distention; maximum tolerable volume.

Changes In Reproductive System

Changes in the reproductive system, such as those that may occur during menopause, can also be a cause of bladder pain. The most common symptoms include:

• Increased frequency of urination
• Decreased forcefulness and ability to empty the bladder
• Discomfort in the pelvic region
• Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition that affects the vulva (the external part of the female genitalia). It occurs when nerve endings begin to grow out of control and skin becomes overly sensitive. Symptoms often worsen with time and include:
• No visible sign or lesion; no color, size, shape, or swelling change
• Burning sensation; worse during menses  Itchiness; worse at night and after touching  Difficulty wearing

 

Cancer Of The Bladder

Another cause of bladder pain may be cancer. In some cases, the only symptom is blood in the urine. This occurs when a tumor blocks one or more small “blood vessels” inside the bladder wall. Other symptoms include:

• Inability to empty the bladder completely
• Frequent urination with a very small amount of urine released with each visit to the bathroom
• Pain during sex that is due to pressure from a large tumor on an adjacent structure such as nerves, muscles, and tissues
• Symptoms related to advanced tumors can also include:
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Lower back pain If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to see your doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

Bladder cancer is one of the most aggressive types of bladder cancer, so it’s important to start treatment as soon as possible.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Though pregnancy and childbirth are natural processes, they can often be accompanied by bladder pain. This is most commonly due to pressure on the bladder from the growing baby. Other causes of bladder pain during pregnancy include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Enlarged uterus
• Hormone changes
• Stiches in the perineum
• Most cases of bladder pain during pregnancy resolve themselves

Conclusion

Bladder pain can be caused by a variety of things, from infections to cancer. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so that you can get the appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing any bladder pain, be sure to see your doctor. Don’t wait – early diagnosis and treatment are key in preventing more serious problems down the road.